Digital technologies in pneumohydraulic drives of technological equipment: problems and prospects

Digital technologies are opening new horizons in the field of pneumohydraulic drives for technological equipment. This article examines the key issues and prospects in this area. The implementation of digital technologies significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of pneumohydraulic systems. The use of sensors, microcontrollers, and software provides more precise control over processes, energy consumption optimisation, and predictive maintenance. Digitalisation of pneumohydraulic drives is an inevitable step in the development of technological equipment, offering new opportunities for industry and innovation. Modern methods of data analysis, mathematical modelling, and machine learning algorithms are used for a successful implementation of this approach. Particular attention is paid to analyzing the application of digital technologies in pneumohydraulic drives of modern technological equipment, identifying key challenges faced by the industry, and determining promising development directions. The study considers new directions in the design of pneumohydraulic drives with a focus on the growing need for integrated sensors and other control devices. Recent advances in the design and implementation of pneumohydraulic drives relate to combined control of fluid flow supply and return to improve system dynamics, accuracy, and load sensitivity, where load effort is matched with drive pressure to increase efficiency. This review provides a detailed description of emerging trends in pneumohydraulic system research and gives an overall view of progress related to the digitalization of these systems. The basics of relevant sensor technologies and innovative approaches to integrating sensors into hydraulic and pneumatic systems are discussed.